Qantas Chairman Appointed as KKR's Senior Adviser

Qantas (QAN), the world's second oldest continuously operating airline’s chairman Clifford has been appointed as Kohlberg Kravis Roberts’ (KKR) senior advisor. KKR is a leading global alternative asset manager. The core of the Firm's franchise is sponsoring and managing funds that make private equity investments in North America, Europe, and Asia. KKR appointed Leigh Clifford was the former CEO of Rio Tinto (RIO), a multinational mining and resources group.

Clifford, after the appointment said “looking forward to helping identify opportunities for investors while partnering with managers to strengthen businesses in Australia”. George Roberts, co-founder of KKR said “Leigh brings a global network, management acumen and experience and an understanding of public policy” and added that, Clifford, a former chief executive of miner Rio Tinto, would be an immediate asset to KKR's Australian and international operations.

Clifford is 61 years old and has more than 30 years of corporate experience within Australia and internationally. He is also a director of Barclays Bank. Clifford in a statement said that “KKR has a proven track record of building long-term, sustainable value in the enterprises in which it invests while also delivering solid returns for investors. Given the demand for both capital and operational expertise right now, I am proud to join a team equipped to deliver both, and I look forward to helping identify opportunities for investors while partnering with managers to strengthen businesses in Australia”

KKR is trying to build its business in Australia since 2006. Currently the company has two Australian investments, BIS Industries Ltd (BIS) and the other is a leading outsourced supplier of on-site and off-site materials handling and logistics services to the minerals, metals, and coal mining sectors; and Seven Media Group, one of Australia's leading media companies. KKR acquired both companies in 2006.